

PHD in Production And Operations Management Pom at Indian Institute of Management Nagpur


Nagpur, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Production and Operations Management (POM) at Indian Institute of Management Nagpur Nagpur?
This Production and Operations Management (POM) program at IIM Nagpur focuses on developing rigorous research capabilities to address complex operational challenges faced by modern organizations. Leveraging analytical and empirical methods, the program explores strategic and tactical aspects of production, supply chain, logistics, and service operations. In the context of India''''s rapidly growing manufacturing and service sectors, this specialization is critical for fostering innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, preparing scholars to contribute to both academia and industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated individuals with a strong academic background, typically holding a Master''''s degree in management, engineering, or a related quantitative field. It caters to aspiring researchers, future academicians, and policy analysts who wish to delve deep into theoretical foundations and practical applications of operations management. Candidates should possess a keen interest in problem-solving, data analysis, and contributing original knowledge to the field, driven by a desire to impact organizational performance and societal well-being.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers primarily in academia, as faculty members at leading business schools and universities in India and globally. They are also well-prepared for research-intensive roles in R&D departments of large Indian and multinational corporations, consulting firms, and government think tanks. The strong emphasis on analytical and research skills provides a robust foundation for addressing real-world operational issues, contributing to India''''s economic growth, and potentially earning competitive salaries in the range of INR 15-30 lakhs annually for entry-level academic or research positions, with significant growth potential.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Conceptual and Quantitative Base- (Year 1 (Trimester 1-3))
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly grasp core management principles and advanced quantitative methods covered in foundational courses. Regularly attend all lectures, participate actively in discussions, and solve practice problems from textbooks and case studies to solidify understanding. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex concepts.
Tools & Resources
Course textbooks, Academic journals relevant to operations (e.g., Management Science, Operations Research), Online platforms like Coursera/edX for supplemental courses in statistics or econometrics
Career Connection
A robust foundation in theory and quantitative analysis is indispensable for conducting rigorous research, developing models, and critically evaluating existing literature, essential skills for a successful research career.
Cultivate Early Research Curiosity- (Year 1 (Trimester 1-3))
Actively engage with faculty during office hours to discuss research ideas, explore potential areas of interest, and understand ongoing projects. Read broadly across different operations management topics beyond assigned readings to identify gaps in literature and nascent research questions. Attend departmental seminars and guest lectures to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar), IIM Nagpur faculty research profiles, Departmental seminar series
Career Connection
Early exposure to diverse research themes helps in identifying a suitable research area for the dissertation, which is crucial for academic placement and future specialization.
Master Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Year 1 (Trimester 1-3))
Practice structuring arguments logically, synthesizing complex information, and presenting research findings clearly and concisely, both orally and in written form. Seek feedback from professors and peers on assignments and presentations. Participate in workshops on academic writing and scientific presentation techniques.
Tools & Resources
Writing centers (if available), Grammarly Premium, LaTeX for academic document preparation, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote)
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are vital for publishing in top-tier journals, presenting at conferences, and teaching effectively, all cornerstones of an an academic career.
Intermediate Stage
Dive Deep into Specialization and Methodology- (Year 2 (Trimester 4-6))
Focus intensely on the core Production and Operations Management (POM) courses and advanced research methodology subjects. Actively participate in advanced quantitative techniques discussions, apply theoretical models to practical problems, and begin to conceptualize initial research designs for potential dissertation topics.
Tools & Resources
Specialized software like R, Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy, SciPy), MATLAB, GAMS, Academic journals specific to POM (e.g., Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, Journal of Operations Management)
Career Connection
Developing expertise in specific POM domains and mastering research tools enables the creation of high-quality, impactful research, a key determinant for academic and research roles.
Network Strategically with Faculty and Peers- (Year 2 (Trimester 4-6))
Build strong relationships with faculty members, particularly those whose research aligns with your interests, to identify potential dissertation advisors and collaborators. Engage in peer-to-peer learning by discussing research ideas and sharing insights on coursework. Attend conferences and workshops, even as an attendee, to meet scholars in the field.
Tools & Resources
Departmental networking events, IIM Nagpur alumni network (if relevant for research collaborations), Academic conferences (e.g., POMS, INFORMS), LinkedIn
Career Connection
A robust academic network provides mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and critical support for job market navigation and long-term career growth.
Prepare Rigorously for the Comprehensive Exam- (Year 2 (Trimester 4-6))
Systematically review all coursework material, focusing on both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills across General Management, Research Methodology, and POM core areas. Practice answering theoretical and application-based questions under timed conditions. Seek guidance from faculty on exam structure and expectations.
Tools & Resources
Previous year''''s comprehensive exam questions (if available), Course notes, Dedicated study sessions with peers
Career Connection
Passing the comprehensive exam is a critical milestone that formally transitions a candidate from coursework to dissertation research, signifying readiness for independent scholarly work, which is essential for any research-oriented career.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (Year 3)
Work closely with your chosen dissertation advisor to refine your research questions, conduct an exhaustive literature review, identify appropriate methodologies, and outline the expected contributions of your thesis. Present your proposal to faculty and peers for critical feedback and iterate on it until it is robust and defensible.
Tools & Resources
EndNote/Zotero for reference management, Statistical software (SPSS, SAS, R), Qualitative data analysis software (NVivo, ATLAS.ti), Faculty mentors
Career Connection
A well-defined and compelling thesis proposal is the blueprint for successful dissertation research, which is the cornerstone for establishing oneself as a credible scholar in the field and securing academic positions.
Engage in Active Publication and Conference Participation- (Year 3 onwards)
Aim to convert your research, even early-stage work or literature reviews, into publishable papers. Submit research to reputable academic conferences in India and internationally (e.g., POMS, INFORMS, DSI), present your findings, and actively seek feedback to improve your work. Engage in peer review processes if opportunities arise.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites, Journal submission portals, Academic writing workshops, Feedback from thesis committee
Career Connection
Publications and conference presentations are crucial for building an academic CV, gaining visibility in the research community, and demonstrating research productivity, which are vital for academic job market success.
Cultivate Teaching Excellence and Job Market Readiness- (Year 4-5)
Seek opportunities to gain teaching experience, such as assisting professors, co-teaching, or delivering guest lectures. Develop a teaching philosophy statement and prepare a teaching dossier. Systematically prepare for the academic job market by networking, preparing a strong CV, research statement, and teaching statement, and practicing job talks.
Tools & Resources
IIM Nagpur''''s teaching assistantship programs, Workshops on pedagogy, Career services/placement cells (for academic job market), Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Strong teaching skills complement research prowess, making candidates more attractive to universities. Strategic job market preparation is essential for securing a desirable academic position after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Master''''s Degree or a Post Graduate Diploma or its equivalent with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks OR A Five-year Integrated Master''''s Degree with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks OR A Professional Qualification (CA, CS, CMA) with a B.Com/Degree with minimum 60% aggregate marks OR A Bachelor''''s Degree with a minimum of 60% marks and a minimum of 70% marks in Class X and XII. Additionally, a valid CAT, GMAT, GRE, GATE, or JRF/NET score is required.
Duration: Four to five years (full-time residential). Coursework phase is 2 years (6 trimesters).
Credits: Minimum 60 credits for coursework Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined




